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Now that school is back in session and I am getting to know my new students as readers, it’s time for this year’s first installment of “Hot Books in My Middle School Classroom”.

I have 100 students this year so their reading choices are varied. It’s been a lot of fun to sit down and talk with them about how they chose their books and what makes them want to continue reading them. Some of the most popular choices right now?

Skeleton Creek is my go-to choice for dormant readers. Fast-paced, similar style to the oh-so-popular Diary of a Wimpy Kid, and online videos mean it immediately peaks their interest. My two classroom library copies are being passed around as we speak and both boys and girls are reading the series.

Another popular series for my dormant readers?Among the Hidden (Shadow Children #1) by Margaret Peterson Haddix. I love, love, love handselling this one. It’s a great sci-fi series for kids who are otherwise intimidated by the tomes of science fiction in most libraries. And talk about a gateway series- most of the students go on to read the rest of Haddix’s books during the year. I already have a handful reading Found (The Missing, Book 1).

You know what book has done very well for itself since getting a cover makeover? The Wednesday Wars. Since the paperback re-cover was done, my kids are eating this one up. A few students are reading this one and a bunch more placed orders for it in the September Scholastic Book Clubs.

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7 Responses

Among the Hidden has been popular in my Grade 5/6 class, and I’m currently reading Double Identity to them, (they beg me to read more every time) but I wish I could get more of Margaret Peterson Haddix’s books in Australia.

I can’t wait (we go back after a two week break next week) to introduce Operation Yes and Ida B to the kids, as well as the second Amulet graphic novel. I got Operation Yes from Amazon after reading your review and another one, and I adored every minute of it

Sarah, I would move back to Northern Virginia JUST to be in your class. This is so awesome! Shiver is on my TBR pile. While I’m a big reader, I’m not a big sci-fi fan … largely because of those tomes you talked about. Maybe it’s time to start small!

LOVE your site! (If I only have three or four sites to check, I’ll make sure to check yours!) I have been wanting to comment for a while and now is the time! We’re kindred spirits as I teach 6th LA as well. My kids are eating up the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series and Skeleton Creek as well (It’s ALMOST October 1st…we’ll be running to the bookstore together for Ghost in the Machine!). The Invention of Hugo Cabret is always a popular choice. Savvy is also very popular as I read several chapters before letting this one go. The Dopple Ganger Chronicles books by G.P. Taylor are getting a lot of students reading. Of course, I’m reading aloud When You Reach Me. (Did you see Scholastic is offering this book in their book order as an “Editor’s Choice”? Money back guarantee if you don’t like the book!!!) I have booktalked several books which always then are popular. We’re having a great time reading this year!

I’m so glad your kids are reading The Wednesday Wars. I love this book but can’t get anyone to try it! I thought it might be because of the cover on the hardback so I got the paperback but still no takers. Then I put it on the “school stories” display and booktalked it and still no takers. Isn’t that amazing? I think it’s because it’s in a boy’s voice and my boys lean towards adventure and sports, while the girls avoids stories told by boys. Meanwhile Epic is hot with the guys as is Son of the Mob.

Thanks for sharing! I agree and ditto your comments on several of those books. Here’s sleeper that will get any kid reading anywhere any time…it’s an oldie from Gary Paulsen’s Word of Adventure Set. Rodomonte’s Revenge….Makes them NUTS. From there they’ll read others from that series.